As I listen to this recording made fifty years ago yesterday, I'm so connected to that moment I was out in the crowd dancing for joy at my first Grateful Dead concert. My review below, written thirteen years ago still stands. Decades before the internet existed, how could 1973 me ever have imagined I'd be able to listen in to that life changing moment I experienced what it was all about. What a precious relic.

Excited that today is the 50th anniversary of my favorite of all my Dead shows, Utica 3/22/73. My friends and I drove from SUNY Binghamton to Utica on a lark, hearing there may be tickets for that night available. We waited all day outside, bought deli sandwiches, to get in for the general admission show. I remember a lot of pushing to get in, but we got right in the front of the stage. Didn't know at the time (17 years old) that I would see the show of a lifetime. The Dead pulled out all of their previous stuff (Box of Rain, Truckin', Deal, Loser, the Other One), with a lot of new stuff we had never heard before (Eyes, Sunshine, Stella Blue). The first set itself was two hours! Yes, there were problems with the crowd, as heard from the Dead announcements about trying to keep fire aisle. Of course, the smoking was pervasive. Yes, it was chaos, but to see the Dead up close at what I think was their peak in terms of musicianship was unforgettable. Amazing that I, and you, can hear this again 50 years later for free, with great sound quality and realize that, yes it was THAT good. Enjoy, and wish you were there! Brad A., Long Island, NY

It’s the responsibility of the Dead to improve on technical standings of 1973, but even through the mid-Spring, I’ve noticed, they take a seemingly unnoticed progression towards the cosmic. Outer-worlds of the NorthEast are smashed by jams previous tours could only dream of experiencing. Sure there was 1969 and sparse details in 1972. But, when the majority of time is spent in blues travels…what time is left to pioneer? 30 minute Love-lights come to mind. That was their speed, back then.

Although in this breath - of a wonderful time in their history, what else possibly could you ask for them to ponder, if not the intricate dimensions, pockets of information that are only discernible through the languid jams in these ‘73 songs.
As always, the second set is where the Meat+Potatoes can be found. However, the finale of the first set asks another interesting question. The statement is found in its answer. Maybe they weren’t interested in starting anything at all, and the mysterious road to getting “warm” is found when they’re done playing.

That’s always the marker of a great show in my opinion. When the band puts their instruments down, and throw up their hands in exhaustion — the creativity never stops (As they mention in 1977), but funneled through the experience of joint playing. As a single conglomerate membrane sifting through consciousness for some higher meaning.

As always, the Grateful Dead in their token year of pure joy, 1973. What’s better, the sound and ability we all have to participate in their dream.

Peace 2 All Beings ~ Nick.

A special night at the Spectrum.

The first set contains a lush and poetical Bird Song that really spreads it's wings and takes flight to places you'll enjoy visiting. While it may not be in the same class as 3/16 or 6/22 of this year, it's still a treasure to behold. A decent Jack Straw is executed before Phil offers his semi-sarcastic "fire aisle" rap. A nice China->Rider that's sadly cut at the beginning, keeps up the momentum before a very strong Playin' (in typical '73 fashion) closes the first set.

The second set offers one even more tasty treats. A stellar Here Comes Sunshine will take you where you need to go (if you aren’t there already). This version (along with 2/15) are the best of the early versions before this song really took flight by the fall of the year.

The second set offers a meaty Truckin'->Nobody's Jam->The Other One->Eyes of the World->China Doll that flows right nice. The highlight of the suite, however, is the glorious Other One which is among the best of the year.

It's worth mentioning that the Grateful Dead and Upstate New York seemed to have a happy marriage that commenced in the spring of 1970 and continued throughout the rest of their quarter century together, creating a nice fusion of perfect atmosphere, sound, and feeling. Dig it, folks!

I've given quite a few 80's shows 4 stars, so I can hardly give this fewer than 5. But something like 2-28-69, 4-8-72, 8-27-72, 9-21-72, 6-10-73, 11-11-73, how many stars do they really deserve? 6? 7?

That said, this show has nearly everything you could want in spring 73. Solid Bird Song, China>Rider, Playin', HCS, and then the meat of the show takes you to outer space and back. Although, I would say that's the thing about 73 shows; when you want a nice meltdown jam like they'd do in 72, instead they break into Eyes. A fine, fun song, but it breaks up the jam. Still, this one leads into a nice, loosey-goosey outro jam, not so structured as it would later become.

Not as inspired a show as some from this period.

Sugaree, Bird Song , Playing In The Band, China Cat Sunflower, Here Comes Sunshine, Truckin', The Other One and Eyes Of The World are recommendable.

There are some awesome performances in this hot show, including a great Here Comes Sunshine, PITB, Truckin'>Other One>Eyes and the China>Rider, which is probably one of the best ever (PHIL BOMBS!!)

But believe it or not I actually think the previous night (3/21) is the better show, despite the sound problems. I'll give it a five though, since it still kicks major ass ;0)

enjoyed reading saints previous review, i saw the dead a dozen times or so in the northeast in 73. had similar experiences as the previous reviewer. what a great time, the emotional and sometimes chemical highs could best be described as a joygasm. I'm always astounded by reviewers giving specific details of shows 30+ years ago, thats what make this archive such a tresure. i dead never dissapointed in the 70's, the archive confirms it, great show 4.5

This is about the China Rider argument. I want to point out to Juan that the 72 Paris show was redone in the studio for better vocals and to clean it up a little. Listen to the re verb in Jerry's voice in the Paris show. There is a ton of it. Re verb is essentially the reflection of the sound back to the mic. So if it was there was naturally, with that much re verb, we should be able to hear a ton of crowd noise as well which we don't.

For the China Rider itself, the Phil bombs in this one are amazing. I was typing a paper in my school's library and nearly fell off my chair. Jerry's solo in Rider, and his noodling in the jam section of China Cat are very unique. The 72 one I would say is bland. Though the drums kick it so perfectly, but then again the studio bias. For the intensity I would pick this one, for the cleanliness I would take the 72 version.

Dig The Dead!
...I come not to bury her but to praise her.
Have to give this 5 Stars to bump things uP,

1), To try to make Up for this review below...
"1 STAR - Have not listened to his yet
but noticed that it's missing the first song, Promised Land. It is also missing the last song of the first set, Casey Jones. One star until I hear the rest of the show."
But the dude never did return. Man, must really like Promised Land and Casey Jones!

You know what? Maybe he has a point. Since I missed listening to this show in person back in the day, I think I'll change my vote to 1 STAR.

WTF!?

Moving on...
2), Not one person mentions Donna. Not in a good way - well, of course not - or in a bad way - surprising since regular Joe's on IA usually give her so much freaking sheet. Am I missing something? Or just getting lucky? I got to give the girl a tip of my hat for her wonderful work here.... This summer and fall, I've been rolling through so many shows, in chronological order, from the band's beginning. March 1973 seems a watershed, a quantum step-up from 1972, in Donna's development with the band. So far this show so takes the cake. And it's not just because The Dead dropped GSET from tonight's setlist. Her harmony is so sweet on so many songs here. Today's the day Donna becomes fully Dead, and for that I'm a grateful fan. Let's hear it for the girl! TYSVD(AMN)M, D.

Back to the show in general: SQ, A- (Deal, BIODTL - sound flutters up and down throughout -> may want to SKIP).

Highs: Bird Song - the ending is stinging; Phil's Fire Aisle talk - what a riot!; Box of Rain - Phil & Donna bring it on together as one; Row Jimmy - oh so sweet; CCS>IKYR - rocket fuel;
Playin - rock it, fools!; Wave - this ball's rolling now; HCSS - simmers and glimmers, then steams w/streamers!; Truckin> Nobody's Jam> Other One> Eyes> China Doll - a flight, a journey, an illusion, a dream, a beauty; Mags - MAGSnificent; OMSN - hell's belle's yeah!

[Rarities: 7th of 15, You Ain't Woman Enough; 9th of 15, Wave That Flag; 3rd of year, Race Is On (9th overall; prior to 73... 2x in 69, 4x in 70);
7th of 15, You Ain't Woman Enough; 11th, Row Jimmy; 7th, China Doll; 7th of 31, H. C. Sunshine; only... H. C. Sunshine, Truckin; 12th, Eyes;
12th of 31... China Cat> I Know You Rider, Playin; final of 4, in a set and show, Bird Song, and China Cat> I Know You Rider, Playin;
1st as set opener, Big River (next, 6-20-74... 3x total in 74, then not again to start set, till at least 1979, if ever - I didn't check further);
3rd of 17, Truckin> Nobody's Jam; 1st of 3, Truckin> Nobody's Jam> Other One (all in '73); 4th of 6, Other One> Eyes> China Doll (all in '73);
only, Truckin> Nobody's Jam> Other One> Eyes> China Doll (or only, Truckin> Other One> Eyes> China Doll, for that matter);
5th of 24, Nobody's Jam> (per Deadbase; BTW, its list leaves out 2-24-73, whereas it is recognized on that date in Deadlists).]

This show gets better the longer it goes, especially the Here Comes Sunshine, Truckin'(+ "Nobody's Fault" Jam)-> The Other One-> Eyes Of The World-> China Doll portion. It's well worth few hours of your time for a good listen...

It was an amazing show!!!

`

~^|\_@|@_/|^~
~<->/<->\<->~

"East Coast Magic"

"A must have show"

Get both nights, March 21 & 22, 1973 at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, they are superb. This show was performed 36 years to the day and it still sounds fantastic.

I highly recommend both shows.

Get em' while you can, get em' while they're free, get em' now or you could be sorry...

Eat, Drink, Be Merry and Listen to the GRATEFUL DEAD.

Thanks for the Love from the U.M.A. '73

PS: For easy streaming and/or downloading users of Windows XP should be viewing this web-page with RealPlayer.

PSS: This is what the GRATEFUL DEAD sounded like in my Senior year of High School, 1973.

I say 5 STARS, but only because I'm rounding up from 4.5 STARS. Anyway, it's a solidly played show, though it SEEMS a little short. Sound quality & performance are as astounding as many '73 shows tend to be---it's well worth the listen.
Remember, it's ALL in how the music makes YOU FEEL!!! So don't take my word--or anyone else's for that matter--as to how great ANY show is.

but noticed that it's missing the first song, Promised Land. It is also missing the last song of the first set, Casey Jones. One star until I hear the rest of the show.

How many amazing versions of The Other One can there be? Well, how many times did they play it in 73?
This one is especially inspired and cosmic. Truly this is a special Other One. Listen for yourself! A great all-around show, a stand-out night in a year full of A+ shows. If 1973 is all 5s, I give this one a SIX STARs.

I just need to add, I listened to this again today, and ending a show with Eyes into such a China Doll should have been illegal. Wow.

Capn Doubledose I salute you and a few other names I have come to recognize. I have learned to use you as a reference some days and to branch out on my own on others but your 5 stars are always well worth the deadication of a day at work.

I have no clue as to how to download this stuff so I'm strictly streaming at work. Which by the way since I've found this site and usually play a show a day as I get my work done has resulted in 25% raise, promotion and a move out of the cubicle to a nice office.

Haahaaaa!! Keep on shreddin the skies Jerry ! Ain't gonna miss you cause your never gonna be completely gone.

from Here Comes Sunshine on to the end is just sheer joy, madness, bliss and some really fine music all rolled up into one. It's over now and I really don't have the heart to listen to much else today. Like walking out of a show into the parking lot and taking a good long while before even considerring the next move.

I agree with Dr. Flashback and his analysis and review of these shows has never failed me but giving this a 3 is a bit modest given the power that blows out of your speakers on this....

There is so much unbelievable wailing on this. It is just one big line of high energy unparalleled musicality and should rightfully be judged on its own merits. China>Rider>Playin, You aint woman enough, Race is on, Sugaree, listen to Jerry on the slide in the Truckin>nobody's fault jam. This is a sick show - read what the guys that were there said. Music A+, Sound A+, positivity A+....

I have reviewed more shows on this site than anyone else by a wide margin and this is a no-brainer. Fire up the 420 and enjoy this gem!

*** This Other One at 29 mins is ridiculous and has to be heard it is never slow or tedious like some '73 and '74's and at times is incredibly intense with almost rehearsed precision - Phil gets a shout out for setting the pace early on in and they NEVER let up, oh maybe right before they blast into a 22:44 Eyes.. 52 mins between those two... Also check out 10/15/76 another Other One I listed to again because it's so unspeakably hot.

This is a fine, jammy show and a great recording. Others have pointed out most of the details, including the brief Nobody's Fault tease, but I'd like to call attention to the end of Playin'. Not only is the coda perfectly, heartrendingly done, but the whole reprise segment is played in double-time by Bill and Phil. The double time by Bill is not that uncommon, but for Phil to pick it up at this point really kicks it into high gear.

I think this really deserves about 4 1/2 stars. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being something from 95 and 10 being 10/30/73, 9/21/72, or take your pick, this checks in at about 9.0.

It just feels real good from beginning to end. A little more laid back and heartfelt to start with TLEO, a great Rain, pretty Sugaree, a nice long Bird Song jam with gentle transition to Jack Straw. Box of Rain and RJR beautiful. I could continue, but let me just say that this show just comes together so well flowing beautifully which is not always the case with shows where people are looking for the best individual or 2-3 song groups. But some good things were happening this year for sure. A lot of magic.

While this china-rider is in the top ten of all versions, the 8-27-72 version, with its monstrous "bridge" jam and superior "rider" performance has to be #1

I have to agree with the previous reviewer - as the system won't allow me to say his name in print! - on this one, although I prefer 'favorite' over 'best', not to sound too anal! My favorite China -> Rider is DEFINITELY the Dick's Picks 12 version from 6-26-74. All the versions from '73 & '74 have that similar jazzy feel, but the 6-26-74 version REALLY stands out from the rest, IMHO. Just my .02 worth... Keep on Keepin' on!

i have to weigh in on this one...Dicks Picks 12, 6/26/74. they jam on the china cat theme for a good 3 minutes before jerry even starts singing and then they throw in a perfect MLB jam before going into rider. it's the best.

sounds good. not as energetic as the night before. tunes are lacking the same snap that makes the night before so unique, but a great performance and great sound.

I was happy to see these 2 lost (?) shows from Utica finally appear on LAMA. The first night 3/21 suffers from the flood damage (see text) but as far as I can tell, Set 2 is just fine except for some minor noise reduction. Certainly the Dark Star>Eyes makes it worthy of a listen or two.
But this night is the best and should be your first pick to DL.
Set 1 is "standard" for 1973, which means that it's well played! Energetic versions of Jack Straw and Box of Rain, with another very decent vocal from Phil (who says he can't sing?) And what's amazing is how easily the Dead can shift gears within minutes from rock to country to lazy reggae to jazz without blinking an eye. Bird Song has some short, lovely jams from Jerry and Keith that sound more like the prettier Dark Star moments. China>Rider is missing the opening notes, but delivered with conviction. Playin leaves the verse and immediately leaps into the minor key section with jazzy walking bass from Phil and fast bluegrass wah wah from Garcia whose guitar walks and talks, preaches and then mellows out before the reprise. Listen to Bill's fine drumming here!

Set 2 is where they really stack the deck, and from HC Sunshine thru the end it's pure ecstacy. Sunshine, here barely a month old, features commanding leads from Jerry building up to the mid-song crescendo, and some nice Beatle-esque harmonies from the group. Truckin is over 13 minutes long, which means - they jam! Even Bobby remembers the words, and the jam includes some early "Nobody's Fault" riffs (the song doesn't appear until Sept. 73) before launching the Other One. Phil is up in the mix and drives the piece all the way, with Jerry switching on the wah wah at the 12 minute mark and quieting things down to some spacey weirdness. Then they kick (and i mean KICK) back into the verse before going to - Eyes where else? This is the 12th time played and by now, the song has legs with Garcia having found his style and the shifting major to minor sections are more tightly executed. Plus a full-fledged "Slipknot" section near the end that will be standard for years to come.
Finally, with your brain sizzling in the frying pan, they ground you with an achingly beautiful China Doll. Listen to Jerry singing the high notes and the good background harmonies.
All in all, a great soundng show with many high points. I hesitate to rate 4 stars only because there are so many other great 4 star 1973 shows. So - 3 stars with a bullet!
enjoy,
Dr. Flashback ; -)

I really like this show. It has a mellowness at the beginning that is mesmerizing and Groovy. (The Grateful Dead are the meaning of that term for those who aren't in the know). But, I don't know what all of the fuss is about the China Cat Sunflower/I know you rider in this show. It is not the best. It is pretty good but not the best. For the best China/Rider ever played (that I know of so far) refer to Their May 3,1972 show performed at the Olympic Theater in Paris France which is featured on the Europe 72 Album. There's no comparison. But, then again it may be a matter of taste and if you just so happen to have bad taste then yea, I could understand how you might think that this shows's china/rider was the best you've ever heard. Check it out for yourself.

this show contains The Best China-->Rider ever performed.
The jammin segue gives me emotional problems everytime I hear it. (good problems)
This recording is like medicine for me,
and could be for you too,
Download this and set your spirits free! its clear and loud too, 5 *'s
absolutely ROCKIN!!!!

This is one great show from beginning to end. Great Jams and Great Quality